Automating a Linear Actuator
Automating a Linear Actuator
(OP)
Hi guys,
I am trying to make a system that drives an object in and out at a set a time automatically. The speed, power and precision does not matter. What matter is programming it to automatically move in during a set time and retract and then later repeat the process all by itself.
I, however, have no experience with actuators or even know how to program once I get my hands on one. What exactly will I need besides the actuators itself? I did a little digging and I probably will need a control board, relay, and time switch but I"m not entirely sure. Any help or direction will be greatly appreciated.
I am trying to make a system that drives an object in and out at a set a time automatically. The speed, power and precision does not matter. What matter is programming it to automatically move in during a set time and retract and then later repeat the process all by itself.
I, however, have no experience with actuators or even know how to program once I get my hands on one. What exactly will I need besides the actuators itself? I did a little digging and I probably will need a control board, relay, and time switch but I"m not entirely sure. Any help or direction will be greatly appreciated.





RE: Automating a Linear Actuator
https://www.google.com/search?q=solar+power+canal&...
You will learn more, >and spend more<, by studying all the catalogs and operation/install manuals that you can get from such a search, and buying or making components separately.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Automating a Linear Actuator
RE: Automating a Linear Actuator
@Mike
That's actually what I am looking for. Earlier I was searching "programming linear actuator" but it didn't produce the same results like I did with "programmable."
The only problem is that most of the programmable actuators offer are above 300$. I am, however, looking at Firgelli which looks it can be under 200$ but I would like to see if I can buy the parts separately.
@Brian
Stopping point doesn't matter but I would like to keep the stroke short, so about under 6 inch.
I can find rather cheap liner actuators on ebay but I would need to find the correct micro-controller to program. I will research around some more to see what I need.
Thanks for the help.
RE: Automating a Linear Actuator
http://www.robives.com/mechanisms/piston#.VL0XNUfF...
RE: Automating a Linear Actuator
You are right. A crank slider did cross my mind because I can just 3d print the parts but I still need it to activate on a timer. I'm not sure how difficult it would be to make a programmable though and run on some sort of motor. I believe that a linear actuator seems to be right direction but I am open to suggestion for an alternative mechanism.
RE: Automating a Linear Actuator
I'd suggest a small PLC. It will give you outputs to drive a valve and also programmable timers. There are also inputs if you decide to incorporate limit switches.
RE: Automating a Linear Actuator
RE: Automating a Linear Actuator
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Automating a Linear Actuator
I guess the best example I can give you is that it needs to push against a door and close it at a certain time. It just need it to do this task once just for an experiment. That's really the best example I can give you that's close to what I am doing.
@itsmoked
I looked at air cylinders and they are rather cheap. It seems like mcmaster sells it. Are these easily programmable with a micro controller or does any one have experience with these?
One of my colleagues has given me a cheap arduino hardware for me to use. Thank you all for the advice. Not sure when I will actually have the chance to finish this since this is just a side project but I will let you know the results ;)
RE: Automating a Linear Actuator
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Automating a Linear Actuator